Credits

Acknowledgements

Reboot is grateful to all of those who were involved in the design, research, and production of this project.

First and foremost, we want to thank all of the respondents, who were willing to take the time from their busy days to speak candidly about Kenyan media. From the taxi drivers who we spoke with as we rode around in their cars, to the University of Nairobi students who sat and chatted with us on the university quad, they helped us understand what it is like to be a media consumer in Kenya. To the many dedicated journalists, editors, and civil society members who we met in their offices, at cafes, and in hotels–wherever we could carve out a quiet place to sit and discuss–they helped illuminate the complex dynamics that bolster and constrain Kenya’s media.

Likewise, we want to thank our researchers, Wilson Ugangu and Winnie Kammu. This research would not have been possible without them. They handled the long days and piles of sticky notes with grace and ease, all the while finding the right people to speak with and contributing thoughtful, nuanced context and analysis. Perhaps, more importantly, they were welcoming hosts and great company!

Thank you as well to Peter Okongo, Anthony Walfula, and William Janak Oloo, who all provided helpful comments on early drafts of the report, and to the 25 journalists, editors, civil society members, and academics who came to our event in January to provide additional feedback on the research. Our report is better because of all their efforts.

Finally, we would like to thank Ory Okolloh and Wendy Trott of Omidyar Network for their guidance, feedback, and patience.

Disclaimer

While Omidyar Network and Hewlett Foundation are pleased to sponsor this report, the conclusions, opinions, or points of view expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Omidyar Network.

Authors

Asch Harwood, Emily Herrick, Wilson Ugangu

Editors

Panthea Lee, Kate Reed Petty

Researchers

Asch Harwood, Emily Herrick, Winnie Kamau, Wilson Ugangu

Designer

Adam Parker

Right now, deep-rooted challenges inhibit Kenyan journalists from holding their government accountable. This research report details these challenges, and was created for both media actors and investors. Our goal is to inspire innovation in the Kenyan media sector, and drive conversation around addressing barriers to independent and effective media.

This report is a product of the Reboot Media program, which works shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists and media organizations to better engage audiences to act, supports civil society to join forces with the press, and guides funders and investors to design smart interventions.